2010 Ford Escape Review

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Ford Escape Video Review

KBB Editors' Overview

By KBB.com Editors

Ford spent the last two years overhauling the Escape in an attempt to make it more competitive with its much newer rivals. The transformation started in 2008 when Ford gave its popular compact SUV a cosmetic makeover, with a new interior and exterior design, and improved sound insulation and seat comfort. Then, in 2009, Ford completed the two-year renewal process with a major overhaul of the Escape's engine, transmission, suspension and brakes – changes that also applied to the Escape Hybrid (reviewed separately). With over a million units sold, the Escape has proven itself to be an appealing vehicle, yet with the current economic downturn and increasingly tough competition, maintaining its strong sales presence is now the 2010 Escape's number one job.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for traditional SUV features, such as high ground clearance and a high seating position, but you want it in a smaller, more fuel-efficient package, the 2010 Ford Escape makes a good choice.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you're looking for sleek aerodynamic styling, the Escape's boxy exterior stands in stark contrast to the more elegant design of the Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue. Unlike the Toyota RAV4, the Escape does not offer a third-row seat option.

What's New for 2010

For 2010, Ford adds a bevy of new available features not found on any of the Escape's competition. Among the more notable is an integrated blind spot side view mirror, MyKey programmable system, Active Park Assist parallel parking aid, a rear view camera and the SYNC system with Traffic, Direction and Information.

Driving ItDriving Impressions

Last year's addition of an all-new 2.5-liter four-cylinder base engine was a big improvement over previous four-cylinder Escapes, gaining a big boost in both horsepower and torque. The available six-speed automatic operates effortlessly and helps the Escape see improvements in both performance and fuel economy. Handling is best described as respectable, but not as tight or confident as experienced in more car-like utility vehicles, such as the Honda CR-V or Nissan Rouge. The electric-assist power steering system delivers good steering response and eliminates the need for a belt-driven pump, which draws power from the engine.

Favorite Features

Navigation SystemEasy to use and loaded with helpful features, the Escape's on-board navigation unit can hunt down hotels, coffee kiosks and out-of-the-way gas stations in seconds.

Active Park AssistA feature usually found only on super luxury cars, the Escape's Active Park Assist uses sonar and the electric power steering unit to automatically guide the Escape into an open parallel parking spot. Voice prompts tell the driver when to shift gears and apply power.

Vehicle DetailsInterior

The Ford Escape's interior was recently overhauled, adding better quality plastics, "Ice Blue" dash lighting and a new "top-of-dash" information center. Ford moved the Escape's parking brake to the driver's-side footwell, permitting the creation of a wide center console storage space large enough to accept a laptop computer. A thicker headliner and carpeting, as well as laminated side glass, help quiet the interior, and the Escape's rear seat remains one of the roomiest in this class. Ford's standard Safety Canopy includes side-curtain airbags that deploy in the event of a side impact or impending rollover situation.

Exterior

The 2010 Escape shares a strong family resemblance with Ford's other truck and SUV models, giving it a rugged appearance worthy of a quasi-off-road warrior. The Escape's small dimensions make it easy to park and maneuver, while the large side-glass panels permit a nearly unobstructed view for both driver and passengers. Unlike more stylized crossovers, the Escape's squared-off roof line creates a tall hatch opening that permits maximum cargo cramming. Bling junkies can opt for the Limited trim, which adds reflective chrome trim to the grille, rear hatch and roof rails.

The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine employs variable valve timing for improved fuel economy, reduced emissions and maximum horsepower and torque. If you desire a manual transmission, this is your only engine choice. The larger 3.0-liter V6 was recently improved, gaining a higher compression ratio that added an additional 40 horsepower. The 3.0-liter provides better acceleration and the ability to tow up to 3,500 pounds, but its city fuel economy ratings only reach the high teens. It is also E85 Flex-Fuel compatible.

The 2010 Ford Escape XLS' Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts just over $21,000 for the front-drive, manual-transmission model and jumps up to around $24,000 when equipped with an automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. The XLT models range from $24,000 to about $33,000 with all the options, while a fully-loaded Limited tops out around $36,500. To find out what other people are paying for the Escape in your area, be sure to check the Fair Purchase Price. Across the board, the Escape remains competitive with others in this class, including the Honda CR-V, Suzuki Grand Vitara and Jeep Liberty. Resale values, however, fall in the middle range, well below the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAVz4, but better than the Jeep Liberty and Suzuki Grand Vitara.

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